PIC18C252T-E/SO - 8-Bit 40MHz OTP MCU, 32KB, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18C252T-E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.4 | $4,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.15 | $7,150.00 |
PIC18C252T-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, typically offering low cost, deterministic interrupt response and rich peripheral integration. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18C252 belongs to the microcontroller class of microcontrollers, itself a sub-category of microcontrollers, which in turn sit under embedded computing and semiconductors. The PIC18C architecture specifically targets applications that need more code space, more RAM and higher throughput than legacy PIC16 designs while retaining the standard PIC instruction-set compatibility and the familiar PIC toolchain (MPLAB IDE, MPASM, PIC C compilers).
Key features of the PIC18C252T-E/SO include 10-bit A/D conversion with multiple input channels, 77 single-word instructions (most single-cycle at 40 MHz), an internal oscillator option on selected family members, hardware USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), capture/compare/PWM modules, and a wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V operating range. The 'T' suffix indicates Tape and Reel packaging, the 'E' indicates the Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C), and 'SO' indicates the 28-pin SOIC package.
Typical applications include industrial control, automotive subsystems, white goods, motor control, sensor signal conditioning, and general-purpose embedded control where deterministic 8-bit performance with abundant program memory is required. Designers favor this part when the application code exceeds PIC16 limits and when the firmware must be locked in OTP for cost-sensitive production.
When designing with the PIC18C252T-E/SO, note that Microchip recommends migrating to the flash-based PIC18F252 for new designs because the PIC18C252 is positioned as a legacy/OTP device and is subject to long-term availability constraints. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18C252T-E/SO — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC18C252T-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18C252-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F252-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C252T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F252T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F242-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF877A-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C252T-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC 18C |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Performance | 10 MIPS (100 ns instruction execution) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 32 KB (16K x 16 words) |
| Data RAM | 1.5 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 77 (single-word, mostly single-cycle) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO), 0.295 inch / 7.50 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape and Reel) |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
PIC18C252T-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / A/D VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / A/D VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock in |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 19 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 20 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / CCP2 alternate |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 24 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 25 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected on 28-pin PIC18C252 (per datasheet package outline) |
Typical Applications
PIC18C252T-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Automotive Subsystem Control, White Goods and Home Appliances, Motor Control and PWM Drive, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs, General-Purpose Embedded Control.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC18C252T-E/SO fits industrial control boards with its 40 MHz PIC18C core delivering 10 MIPS, 32 KB of OTP for locked firmware, and the 10-bit A/D converter for analog sensor inputs. Industrial PLCs and process controllers benefit from the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade and the deterministic 8-bit interrupt response. Place the MCU near the sensor front-end with the SOIC-28 footprint occupying minimal PCB area on DIN-rail carrier boards. A practical design uses the USART to bridge to RS-485 transceivers while the MSSP drives SPI I/O expanders; the OTP memory secures IP against field-read-back while 32 KB is enough for typical ladder-logic replacement firmware.
Recommended
Automotive Subsystem Control
The PIC18C252T-E/SO suits non-safety automotive subsystems with its extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C), 10 MIPS throughput and 10-bit A/D for sensor reads. Body controllers, climate modules and lighting drivers can rely on the 32 KB OTP for locked cost-sensitive code. Note: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, so for safety-critical applications the automotive-grade PIC18F252 should be substituted. The 28-SOIC surface-mount package suits automated automotive PCB assembly lines, and the wide operating voltage covers 12V/24V battery-rail transients when paired with an external LDO.
Recommended
White Goods and Home Appliances
The PIC18C252T-E/SO is well suited to washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens and refrigerator controllers where OTP memory locks the appliance firmware at low per-unit cost. Its 40 MHz core and 32 KB OTP fit typical appliance control loops (motor speed, temperature regulation, UI scan), while the 10-bit A/D reads thermistor and humidity sensors directly. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade handles the thermal stress of an appliance cabinet, and the 28-SOIC SMT form factor suits high-throughput appliance production lines. The PIC18C capture/compare/PWM module can drive triac-based heater control and brushless DC motor commutation directly.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drive
The PIC18C252T-E/SO's capture/compare/PWM peripherals and 40 MHz core make it suitable for closed-loop motor control of small BLDC, stepper, or DC motors in industrial and appliance subsystems. The 10 MIPS throughput handles field-oriented control algorithms for sub-100 W motors, while the 32 KB OTP holds sensorless commutation tables and PI regulator code. The 10-bit A/D reads back-link current shunt amplifier voltages for torque control. Designers should pair the MCU with a gate driver such as the Microchip TC4427 to drive MOSFET bridges, and exploit the 28-SOIC's small footprint for compact integrated motor-driver boards.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs
The PIC18C252T-E/SO works as a multi-sensor conditioning hub, reading 10-bit A/D inputs from thermistors, pressure sensors and opto-sensors, and serializing the data over USART or MSSP. Its 32 KB OTP and 1.5 KB RAM allow simple digital filtering and calibration tables on-chip, eliminating an external EEPROM. The -40C to +125C temperature grade is appropriate for outdoor sensor pods and industrial environment cabinets. The 28-SOIC footprint lets the MCU share a small sensor board with analog front-ends; pick the E (extended) variant for outdoor deployment and the I variant for indoor industrial enclosures.
Recommended
General-Purpose Embedded Control
The PIC18C252T-E/SO is a flexible general-purpose embedded controller for vending machines, point-of-sale terminals, access control panels and small IoT edge nodes that need more code space than PIC16 but do not justify an ARM Cortex MCU. The PIC18C instruction set is fully supported by MPLAB X IDE, MPASM assembler and Microchip's XC8 compiler, which speeds firmware development. With 77 single-word instructions, deterministic interrupt latency and abundant peripherals, the device is a workhorse for mid-complexity embedded designs. For new designs, target the PIC18F252 (flash) for field upgradability; use the PIC18C252 only when OTP is required.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18C252T-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18C252-E/SO | PIC18F252-I/SO | PIC18C252T-I/SO | PIC18F252T-I/SO | PIC18F242-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (32 KB) | OTP (32 KB) | Flash (32 KB) | OTP (32 KB) | Flash (32 KB) | Flash (16 KB, -50%) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Packaging Format | Tape and Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape and Reel | Tape and Reel | Tube |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory for firmware IP protection (vs PIC18F252-I/SO)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC18C252T-I/SO)
- Tape and Reel format for automated assembly (vs PIC18C252-E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC18C252T-E/SO uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) program memory - once a programming operation is performed, the cell cannot be erased. Engineers transitioning from PIC18F flash parts must remove all debug-iteration habits. Budget for separate prototype PIC18F252-I/SO units during firmware bring-up, then perform a single OTP programming pass on production PIC18C252T-E/SO parts. Confirm oscillator configuration bits, watchdog enable, and code-protect bits BEFORE the first OTP write because they cannot be changed afterward.
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin, paired with a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum capacitor near the IC. The PIC18C252T-E/SO operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V; pair it with a low-noise LDO such as the TPS7A4701RGWR for analog sections of mixed-signal boards. Avoid switching the VDD rail while MCLR is held low or the part may enter unintended reset; provide a clean POR slope via the LDO's PG (power good) output if reset sequencing matters in the system.
Route the 40 MHz oscillator traces short and symmetric to OSC1 and OSC2; keep the crystal load capacitors within 5 mm of the pins to avoid stray capacitance that pulls the oscillator off-frequency. Place a guard ground ring around the crystal to limit coupling from nearby switching traces. The 28-SOIC footprint is 0.295 in (7.50 mm) wide - verify your PCB library matches this body width rather than the narrower 0.150 in (3.81 mm) SOIC-8 body to avoid land pattern mismatches during assembly.
Isolate the analog AVSS/AVDD pair from noisy digital VDD/VSS rails using a star-ground topology tied at the IC's VSS pin. Route analog A/D inputs (RA0-RA5) away from PWM-driven output pins and from the USART lines; add a ground-fill shield under those traces if board space allows. The 10-bit A/D achieves its rated performance only when the source impedance is below 10 kohm, so add an op-amp buffer (such as MCP6001) on high-impedance sensor inputs.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free statuses were not confirmed in the verified web data; the part carries an Extended temperature grade but is not AEC-Q100 qualified per Microchip's general NRND notice. Confirm compliance status from the manufacturer's product page or by requesting a Certificate of Compliance before volume production.
